Melbourne Theatre Company facts for kids
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| Industry | Theatre |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1953, as Union Theatre Reportory Company |
| Founder | John Sumner |
| Headquarters | , |
| Products | Theatrical productions |
The Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) is a famous theatre group based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It started in 1953 as the Union Theatre Repertory Company. This makes it the oldest professional theatre company in Australia.
The MTC has its own special home called the Southbank Theatre. This theatre has two main stages: the 500-seat Sumner and the 150-seat Lawler. The company also performs at the Arts Centre Melbourne's Fairfax Studio and Playhouse. All these places are in Melbourne's Arts Precinct in Southbank. The MTC is seen as Victoria's official state theatre company. It works closely with the University of Melbourne. Each year, it puts on ten to twelve main plays. It also offers programs for education, families, and new play development. Around 20,000 people subscribe to their shows. About a quarter of a million people watch their plays every year.
History of the Melbourne Theatre Company
The Melbourne Theatre Company began in 1953. It was founded by John Sumner. Back then, it was called the Union Theatre Repertory Company. It was based at the Union Theatre at the University of Melbourne's student building. John Sumner wanted to put on plays when the student drama groups were not using the theatre.
This was Australia's first professional "repertory theatre." This means they would present a new play every two weeks. Later, they changed to a new play every three weeks during their season. The very first play they performed was Colombe by Jean Anouilh. It opened on August 31, 1953. Famous actors like Zoe Caldwell, George Fairfax, and Alex Scott starred in it. Zoe Caldwell later became very successful on Broadway.
Over the years, the MTC has strongly supported Australian writers. They have shown the works of many talented people. Some of these writers include Ray Lawler, David Williamson, Hannie Rayson, and Joanna Murray-Smith. The first Australian play the company produced was Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. This play by Ray Lawler came out in 1955. It quickly became known as an Australian classic.
Ray Lawler took over from John Sumner as Director in 1955 and 1956. When Lawler went to London for The Doll, Wal Cherry became the director. Cherry led the company from 1956 to 1959. He liked to try new and bold ideas in theatre. This helped Melbourne audiences enjoy different kinds of plays. However, the company did not make as much money during this time.
In 1959, John Sumner returned as director. He guided the company for 28 years. By the time he retired in 1987, the MTC was the biggest theatre company in Australia. Since then, the company has had several artistic directors. These include Roger Hodgman (1987–1999) and Simon Phillips (2000–2011). Brett Sheehy took over in 2012. In 2012, Robyn Nevin, Pamela Rabe, and Aidan Fennessy managed the season together. Fennessy was also an Associate Director for a while.
The Melbourne Theatre Company has performed in many different places in Melbourne. These include the Russell Street Theatre, the Melbourne Athenaeum, and the Arts Centre Melbourne. They have also performed at the Comedy Theatre and the Princess Theatre.
Artistic Directors of MTC
The Artistic Director is the main creative leader of a theatre company. They choose the plays and guide the artistic vision. Here are the people who have been Artistic Directors for the Melbourne Theatre Company:
- 1953–1955 John Sumner
- 1955–1956 Ray Lawler
- 1956–1959 Wal Cherry
- 1959–1987 John Sumner
- 1987–1999 Roger Hodgman
- 2000–2011 Simon Phillips
- 2012 Robyn Nevin, Pamela Rabe, Aidan Fennessy (they shared the role for this year)
- 2013–2022 Brett Sheehy
- 2023– Anne-Louise Sarks
Awards and Recognitions
The Melbourne Theatre Company has won many awards for its amazing plays and performances. One of the most important awards in Australia for live entertainment is the Helpmann Awards. These awards celebrate the best in theatre, music, and dance. The MTC has won several Helpmann Awards over the years for its plays, directors, and actors.
For example, in 2001, their play Life After George won the Helpmann Award for Best Play. In the same year, Caroline O'Conner won Best Female Actor in a Play for Piaf. The MTC has continued to win awards for many of its productions, showing its high quality and talent in Australian theatre.
